Bad Transmission Slip During Test Drive

[gannett]

I had quite the test drive on an '09 7AT with 23K miles the other day. Turning out of the dealership, the first spirited acceleration felt fairly normal and pulled through the gears without hesitation. We did some 35-45mph cruising around the area, got stuck in a little traffic, and turned around to go back to the dealership after about 10 minutes. One thing I noticed during regular driving is that from a standstill, it felt very lethargic when I pressed on the gas pedal for the first second or two - different from the other Z's I've tested.

So here's where the fun begins. On the way back, cruising around 35mph, I go to really give it some gas and the transmission starts slipping repeatedly (at least that's what I thought... this was the first time I've encountered such problem in any car). I felt several kick-backs on my foot from the gas pedal. No acceleration at all. So I tried it again with the same outcome. Put it into manual mode, downshifted through a few gears (which did not feel smooth at all), and with every upshift it felt very jerky, as if I had suddenly pulled my foot off the gas pedal. There was a pretty weird smell coming from the engine at this point.

We get back to the dealership and I was bummed. I was planning on doing some price negotiations up until the disaster test drive. Everything else looked perfect, clean Carfax with all maintenance performed, still under 3/36 factory warranty, mint interior/exterior, etc.

Just wondering if anyone knows exactly what the issue could have been? All hope is lost in this specific car, but I'm still curious as to what the hell happened.

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by gannett

... So here's where the fun begins. On the way back, cruising around 35mph, I go to really give it some gas and the transmission starts slipping repeatedly (at least that's what I thought... this was the first time I've encountered such problem in any car). I felt several kick-backs on my foot from the gas pedal. No acceleration at all. So I tried it again with the same outcome. Put it into manual mode, downshifted through a few gears (which did not feel smooth at all), and with every upshift it felt very jerky, as if I had suddenly pulled my foot off the gas pedal. There was a pretty weird smell coming from the engine at this point.

There is no feedback to the gas pedal; it's fly-by-wire. Maybe the pedal is loose.
A loose pedal could cause your symptoms.
As for the jerky part, that could a bad motor and/or transmission mount.

[gannett]

I inquired about the issue, and they said the engine basically had no oil in it. There was a faulty plug from the last oil change and it caused a gradual leak over time. Sounds a bit strange to me.

I'm far from a car guru, but what kind of damage could something like that cause considering the way I drove it during the test drive? Should I even entertain going back and testing it out again?

Thanks.

[fuct]

if the engine had low or no oil then hell what kind of condition was the tranny in? and dont go by those car fax reports or the salesman saying all the maintance was performed. obviously it wasnt if the engine was so low on oil.

walk away, and buy a stick.

plus you were looknig at an 09' which were notorious for oil consumption issues.

[cheshirecat]

Those are some seriously strange observations.

I wouldn't even bother thinking about it. You've obviously forgotten about buying the car, but I would also look for another dealer.

[lemon-fresh]

Walk away, plenty of cars out there.

[IDZRVIT]

Any car can be abused such as this one. Go look for another Z. They are good cars.

[gannett]

Yeah guys, it's definitely a pass. No telling what kind of damage is hidden in that engine - I'm glad I ran into the problems on the test drive.

And fuct, I test drove a 6MT. I'm torn, because I'd love to have a manual, but the Z's clutch was just really tough for me because I've never driven stick before aside from training on a GTI (which was a lot smoother, so I was thrown off when I jumped in the Z ). I wish I could do the 6MT test drive without the salesman riding shotgun...

[elperuano]

Originally Posted by gannett

Yeah guys, it's definitely a pass. No telling what kind of damage is hidden in that engine - I'm glad I ran into the problems on the test drive.

And fuct, I test drove a 6MT. I'm torn, because I'd love to have a manual, but the Z's clutch was just really tough for me because I've never driven stick before aside from training on a GTI (which was a lot smoother, so I was thrown off when I jumped in the Z ). I wish I could do the 6MT test drive without the salesman riding shotgun...

Same here! I'd drive it like I stole it!! Too bad on these kind I cars they always ride shotgun.

[Mitco39]

It doesnt take long to learn stick, an hour or so in a parking lot to get the basics and then you will be just fine.

[fullmonty]

Originally Posted by gannett

Yeah guys, it's definitely a pass. No telling what kind of damage is hidden in that engine - I'm glad I ran into the problems on the test drive.

And fuct, I test drove a 6MT. I'm torn, because I'd love to have a manual, but the Z's clutch was just really tough for me because I've never driven stick before aside from training on a GTI (which was a lot smoother, so I was thrown off when I jumped in the Z ). I wish I could do the 6MT test drive without the salesman riding shotgun...

Good choice on passing. There is a reason someone traded it in

[bldg636]

May be a stupid question, but was the VDC on during the test drive? Kinda sounds like what you are describing..... Not recommending that you buy the car just wondering....